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Daryl's Development: Tyler Toffoli

by
Daryl Evans
/ Los Angeles Kings

Kings radio color commentator / former left wing Daryl Evans – who since 2007 has also served as a power skating consultant for the Kings’ development team -- breaks down some of the club’s best prospects for LAKings.com.

In this first installment of “Daryl’s Development,” Daryl – who goes on the ice with these prospects in the summer time / off-season -- gives us insight on Kings prospect Tyler Toffoli.

Right Now:Tyler currently plays for the Ottawa 67’s of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). He is in his fourth year with that club and he is leading the OHL with 13 goals and he is sixth in the League in overall scoring with 25 points.

The Back Story:Tyler, who is a centerman, was selected by the Kings in the second-round (47th overall) of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

What I Know About Tyler:Tyler has a lot of natural ability. His numbers in the past speak volumes. Since being drafted by the Kings Tyler has matured in both his growth and in his approach to the game in addition to being a pro. Tyler has talents and instincts you can’t teach. Tyler needs a little improvement in his foot speed and skating. He has worked on that diligently in the last year and has taken major strides in these areas.

What The Kings Say About Tyler:Mike Futa, the Kings’ Director of Amateur Scouting along with Mark Yannetti, has followed Tyler since he was a Bantam-age player (14 years old) playing with the Jr. Canadians. Says Futa: “Tyler has scored at all levels. He is a natural at finding the scoring areas and at getting his shot off. Both Mark and Jack Ferreira, our club’s special assistant to the general manager, say that Tyler is ‘off the charts’ with the puck.” Futa also commented on Tyler’s work since being drafted. “Tyler has taken huge strides to become an NHL player both on and off the ice. At one time you couldn’t get him to take his shirt off. Now you can’t get him to put one on. That shows his commitment to his off-season training.”

Going Forward:Tyler needs to stay on the path he has taken this past year with continued emphasis on skating. He has already showed his leadership with his team in Ottawa by getting off to a great start after a solid training camp with the Kings in Los Angeles. Tyler will become a pro upon completion of his Junior year this season.